Difference Between Reality And Fantasy In Grendel's Journey

John Gardeners, Grendel, he begins to outline his philosophy of reality and fantasy in which effects Grendel’s journey of life. Grendel believes that perception is reality and not a fantasy. Therefore Grendel creates his own universe, because it is only his experience of his environment that makes it real. Although Grendel takes this relatively reasonable idea to an extreme, deciding that he alone exists. It leads, eventually, to his belief that only he matters, and he can therefore do whatever he wants to everyone else. With this Gardner reveals to his readers about the important difference between reality verses fantasy, and its effects.

As Grendel strives forward, however comically, to escape from his world of tragedy and darkness he

sees the goodness in others.

With the power of words, Gardner expresses, that even a monster can be affected by it. Gardner also develops the theme of fantasy as another moral force that allows humanity to advance by inspiring Unferth, in the belief of his heroism. Gardner details the thoughts of Grendel, “So much for heroism. So much for the harvest virgin. So much also for the alternative visions of blind old poets and dragons.” (Gardner 90). The significance in Unferth’s character is obvious throughout his encounters with Grendel. Unferth loses every time, first physically and then mentally, leaving us with no other option but to think maybe Grendel is right. Unferth shows some characteristics like courage and the determination to fight and die, but it’s not enough to break Grendel down. Unferth does indeed have a role to play in this story and the fact that he helps

Grendel strengthen his belief that the world is empty, which makes Grendel’s death that much greater. Unferths failure to prove his heroism is reality; which puts Grendel in an even more cynical mood than before; he wasn’t ready to embrace the dragon’s philosophy. Gardner also creates a relationship between Grendel and the dragon in order to expand the concept of nihilism: the belief that there is no purpose to existence. This is also a fantasy in which Grendel supports and believes in trying to find the answer of how it works. Through these changes, Gardner is able to develop themes that recur not only in the characters but throughout the plot.
In continuation of the influence on Grendel’s beliefs and his quest is to know who and what he is. His never changing answer to these questions suggests that he will never be satisfied with an end to his quest. Even when he is told his position in the universe by beings far wiser than he is (such as the dragon), Grendel attempts to modify this position in favor of something different. Ironically, his very attempts to reject his intended place in the universe lead him to accomplish the role of Hrothgar's (and humanity's) helpful adversary more completely than he desires. This shows Grendel’s resenting nerves and attitude towards his life and future.
To the feelings and thoughts of Grendel’s future and fate, Gardner emphasizes in Grendel’s experiences.

At the end of the novel Grendel gets the chance to try to change his life. Grendel takes action and does something useful to make his life more important and memorable. Grendel felt as though his world and life was fading into darkness, he wouldn’t accept the truth and reality of the facts around him. ”Something is coming, strange as spring. I am afraid. Standing on an open hill, I imagine muffled footsteps overhead” (Gardner 126). Through Grendel’s agony and pain of his slow death he still resents the fact that he was defeated and says to himself that it was an accident. Gardner is successful in revealing the difference of reality and fantasy with the reference of Unferth, the dragon and himself and in which Grendel faces throughout his life in the

novel.